When to give up on Azathioprine?

Today is day 100. Still seeing blood, mucous and urgency every day to varying degrees. Some days are much better than others, but I'm certainly not in remission or feeling particularly close. I think it has helped, but not enough. Doc says to wait another 3 weeks before giving up, even suggested another course of Pred which I politely declined. I think I might have already given up on it. Anyone have any success with Aza magically starting to work after 14+ weeks? I had such high hopes for this drug, darn it.

Post Edited (kiwi-) : 2/28/2015 10:14:56 PM (GMT-7)

For me, it all came down to measuring if I'd reached an effective concentration of the drug in my system. I hadn't and my liver wasn't handling it well. My GI couldn't take the dose any higher for me without damaging my liver, so we moved on. She was relying on the Prometheus testing results on that...which I recall some here have mixed feelings about. I was on that for about 6 months before we threw in the towel. I still take it, however, at 75 mg along with Entyvio in an attempt to prevent antibodies. Antibodies aren't as likely with Entyvio as with Remicade, but she wants to play it safe since it's working so well for me.

I'd just go as is until you get your test results back and then you might have to make some decisions. If it looks like the drug is at max levels I wouldn't be afraid of a QUICK round of pred. Start at 40 mgs and then quickly taper off in just one month, no matter what happens. Don't fall in to the pred trap of taking it for months and months and months.

It's really not so bad if you take it and get off in a month. You just have to set your mind to sticking to the plan and getting off, even if you get worse as you taper. Too many people slow the taper downn or increase back up if they get worse, ueually just delaying the inevitable while destroying their body in the process.

I've stuck with azathioprine through thick and thin. Had some major flares during that time ... But it's never been a quick fix. Tends to balance out the swings. So in those times I've also taken pred (which we all hate). I feel it's helped me a lot over the years although I've never managed 'normality' and always had some degree of flare - if not in hospital or stuck in the house, I consider that manageable. I take over the above quoted max dose ... Currently 2.7 per kg ... And when my weight dropped further the dose has always been maintained. My dose never varies but weight does. So I'd agree with garylouisville ... Give pred a burst ... Don't give up on any drug too soon ... Only too quickly the options get limited. Good luck.

Hi guys, update for you: my doc has confirmed the levels in my system are correct and I am still not really any better. I've had a few good days but I'm yet to have two in a row. We have agreed to get me off the Aza and move to Remicade. I just have to get a bunch of blood tests first. I have to say I am excited about this treatment, for no good reason other than the success stories I've read here. Fingers crossed.

I guess he will tell me that soon enough. I'll be having a sit-down with him before the first infusion. Thanks for the heads-up. Getting off Asacol will be great. 12 pills a day = not fun!

For me it took me about 4 months to see results and to go into remission. I have been on azathioprine for 3 and a half years, and I have had two small flare ups in that time. But I will say that I do get sick (common cold) easier than I used to, I just make sure to take vitamins and wash my hands a lot!

Have you tried VSL 3? It's a probiotic that a lot of people on this site have had lots of success with. I get mine from Costco, and I take 1/2 a packet a day when I'm not flaring just as maintenance!

Just know how lucky you guys are to be able to take biologics! 6mp is the last big gun for me because of other issues.